It all began in 2007 while I was visiting my Mum in Pakistan. On day two, I was woken very early by the azaan, call to prayer. I began to think about the local community where most young people aspire to go to England. I wondered whether they could be encouraged to think differently. How about if more of them had better prospects here? What would help to make that happen? Given my own life’s journey, there was only one answer; EDUCATION.
So, I began to think about how more young people could be encouraged to succeed in education. I spoke to a few friends and respected elders. They spoke about the ‘hidden extras’; the costs which act as a barrier for the poor who wish to access, the otherwise, free education. One of them also said, “If you are planning on doing good, you should not delay”. So, by the end of my week there, I had found a few people who were willing to be on our Committee; our eyes and ears at the grassroots.
I went back to the UK as planned and set about talking to people to see how funds could be raised. One thing was sure for me; I had given my word so something would need to be set up. It was just a question of timing.
Soon, I had managed to rope in enough people to take part in a sponsored walk with me. Where we would walk was not hard to think of. We decided that we would follow Birmingham’s No 8 bus route known popularly as the Inner Circle. This was because most people from the area to be served by the new charity had settled in and around these neighbourhoods.
In the end, 25 friends joined in on this 13 mile walk. Between us we had managed to speak to and get support from nearly 200 of our contacts. We raised nearly £2000 which got the charity off to a brilliant start.
Since those days, over 25 young people in and around my birthplace have been enabled to access education. During a recent visit to my Mum’s, I was able to sit in on a Committee meeting to see a few hundred pounds being distributed amongst 17 young people who are the current beneficiaries of the charity.
We now have a website. Please take a look: www.karamfoundation.co.uk
Karamat Iqbal